Culture | Apr. 2024
THE BUZZ: APRIL 2024
By Megan Weisberg
Alyssa Kapito Interiors, published by Rizzoli
THE LIBERATED GARDEN
The Garden Liberated: An Evolution of Italian Garden Design brings together 10 Italian gardens created by Italy’s most respected garden architect, Paolo Pejrone. The gardens are located in different regions of Italy ranging from the wetlands of Piedmont to the gentle hills of Tuscany to the lush Riviera to the sunny coasts of the South, reflecting Italy’s extraordinary biodiversity. When designing gardens, Pejrone tackles the task with great humility, placing himself at the service of nature and never vice versa. In full harmony with the rhythm of nature, Pejrone’s gardens are a manifesto of sobriety and sustainability. The partnership between Pejrone and the book’s photographer, Dario Fusaro, started many years ago. In addition to documenting the transformations of the ever-changing gardens over time, Fusaro photographs every new intervention by Pejrone. This book is a visual feast for lovers of greenery and the Italian landscape. For more information, visit rizzoliusa.com.
UN-TEA AFTERNOON APÉRO
French-inspired, luxury hotel Sofitel Chicago presents a refined culinary and playful experience combining the sophistication of afternoon tea service with an array of French treats and Champagne. The Un-Tea Afternoon Apéro features a delightful menu prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Daniel Höfler. Indulge in choux puffs with truffle cream, French onion and gruyere scones, assorted macarons, foie gras tea sandwiches, and more alongside a selection of fine French Champagnes including Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Pérignon. Guests will feel as if they have been transported to Paris via this trendy and vibrant twist on the traditional tea service that is perfect for celebrations, an afternoon out with your girlfriends, or treating a loved one. The Un-Tea Afternoon Apéro is the ultimate experience for locals and guests alike. For more information, visit sofitel-chicago.com.
PAPIER FRANÇAIS
Founded by Laurent Chapuis in 2019, the French wallpaper brand Papier Français is defined by the rediscovery, restoration, and revival of iconic wallpapers dating back to the French “Golden Age of wallpaper” of the 18th and 19th centuries. Fueled by his passion for architecture and design, Chapuis combines the historical and modern to create iconic, fantastical, and timeless patterns. In his own words, “Papier Français is giving new life to the hidden treasures of the archives in the most prestigious institutions—with a mix between iconic, timeless patterns and the best technology.” As the sole supplier of Papier Français wallpapers in the United States, Eerdmans carries all four collections: Bibliothèque Nationale de France N°1 and N°2, Créatonne 1975, and Murmur. For more information, visit en.papierfrancais.com.
DINE OUT
Hinsdale Restaurant Week is set for April 14 -22, 2024. Hot spots will offer specials, including prix fixe menus, lunch specials, add-ons, and deals. There are enticing reasons to go out for as many meals as possible during this special week. From omelets to cocktails, the chefs and mixologists always bring their best to this exciting week of dining. hinsdaledining.com
DRIVE IT
Or fly it. California-based Aska introduced the A5S at the 2023 CES, a flying car that can drive up to 70 MPH and flies at up 150 MPH. The electric A5S isn’t a converted airplane design. The aircraft, which is capable of Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) has a specially engineered wheel system that allows it to travel on the highway, instead of just taking off and landing. A large wing and six folding rotors give the A5S smooth flight characteristics, and each motor has its own battery and range extender for redundancy, along with a Diamond-style ballistic parachute for extra safety. The A5S is the size of an SUV, meaning the whole family can pile in for lake house drives and travel team tournaments. Flight testing began last year, with certification projected for 2026. Secure a reservation slot with a $5,000 deposit. Preorder customers will become members of the ASKA Founder’s Club. askafly.com
PLAY IT
Dorothy Foster and Jill Livingston, both Clarendon Hills moms and attorneys, are turning their love of pickleball into their next profession. Together they are opening Net Game, which will have nine indoor pickleball courts offering open play, leagues, tournaments, social events, lessons, and drills for all ages. The weather will always be perfect at Net Game, with plenty of climate-controlled space for the whole friend group with a mezzanine viewing area, pro shop, and food and beverage service. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US, with nearly 4.8 million Americans walking onto the court each year. It is easy to learn, fun to play, and is a sport you can grow old with. Net Game is committed to keeping the sport of pickleball social, accessible, and fun. Centrally located in Westmont, people are buzzing with excitement about the new facility with hundreds of people already signed up memberships. From dinks to drinks, Net Game will be THE place to play pickleball. netgamepickle.com
READ IT
Who was the author of choice in 1924? Agatha Christie, who wrote two mysteries that year, Poirot Investigates and The Man in the Brown Suit. To celebrate the 100 anniversary of these novels and a wonderful town, The Clarendon Hills Library hosted a one author community reading party complete with a primer on tea drinking. Readers can take their new knowledge of the history of tea and how to develop a mindful tea practice into the next century in CH and beyond. clarendonhillslibrary.org
WALL WINKS
Lake Forest artist Katie Powell Brickman has unveiled her first wallpaper collection with prints inspired by the simple shapes and saturated colors of her paintings. The collection incorporates Brickman’s love for one, two, or three crisp colors, a good amount of white space, and simple design elements. As Brickman says, her playful wallpaper “adds a little ‘wink’ to an otherwise sophisticated space.” For inquiries contact [email protected], or visit katiepowellbrickman.com.
PARIS 2024
Dreaming of a visit to the city of light during this summer’s Paris Olympics? On Location, the official hospitality provider for the 2024 Paris Olympics, has partnered with the Olympic Organizing Committee to offer highly tailored travel packages for clients looking for an elevated Olympic Games experience. Offerings include VIP access to the Opening Ceremony, finish line seats at semifinal and final events, coveted central Paris accommodations, the option to use immersive technology, and more. Visit olympics.onlocationexp.com/paris2024/ for information.
IN BLOOM
In The Artistry of Flowers, celebrated floral designer Gabriela Salazar teaches the nuanced skill of looking at and analyzing flowers’ characteristics from an artist’s perspective. Drawing on her painting background, Salazar explores how shape, color, and texture contribute to an overall composition. She highlights which type of blooms are best for different arrangements and shares building blocks for floral designs ranging from simple and sculptural to complex and colorful. Available at Wellyhaus in Winnetka, or rizzoliusa.com.
ALYSSA KAPITO INTERIORS
Known for her modern approach to classic elegance, interior designer Alyssa Kapito presents her most extraordinary residential projects in this highly anticipated debut. With bespoke interiors that merge contemporary touches with time-honored sophistication—luxurious textures, neutral tones, crisp whites, and sleek lines—Kapito has become one of the most exciting names working in design today.
In this beautiful volume, Kapito shares her unique design philosophy and 10 of her most outstanding projects. An Upper East Side townhouse is punctuated with modern design pieces and warm beige hues. A medley of natural materials offset by bold artwork defines a sleek duplex in SoHo. Clean lines and a soft palette of blues, yellows, and mauve breathe new life into a grand countryside estate. Readers will delight in discovering Kapito’s approach throughout.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHERVIN LAINEZ.
TIME FOR THREE
The Music Institute of Chicago welcomes back the boundary defying, Emmy and Grammy-winning musical trio Time for Three, with its uncommon blend of instruments and vocals, Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Spanning classical music, Americana, and singer songwriter styles, their captivating sound merges eras, styles, and traditions. Tickets are $60 preferred, $40 standard, and $30 value, available at nicholsconcerthall.org.
VELOCITY ESPORTS FIRST ILLINOIS LOCATION
Next level gaming company Velocity Esports (Velocity) has opened its first Illinois location. Velocity features a vast selection of arcade games and prizes, a premier esports lounge with more than 100 titles for PC and console gaming, and a billiards lounge complete with comfortable seating—all in a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere for social gaming. In addition to gaming and esports, Velocity includes an arcade bar and eatery, perfect for friends and families. Located in Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall, visit velocityesports.com for more information.
GRANT & DUNNE STYLING BAR OPENS
Grant & Dunne Styling Bar recently opened its doors in South Barrington to offer traditional upscale styling for men of distinction and classically elegant styling for women of glamour. Services for men include shaves, beard trimming, hair cuts and more, and for women lash enhancements, blow outs, deep conditioning treatments, and expert makeup application services are offered. Located at 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, visit grantanddunne.com to learn more and book your appointment.
ALL ARE WELCOME
With a rich legacy dating back to 1937, The Riding Club of Barrington Hills (RCBH) is adopting a fresh take on membership in 2024 and opening its doors to non-equestrians and those who reside outside of the Barrington Hills zip code. RCBH is pleased to now welcome anyone who is interested in community, conservation, learning about horsemanship, or who seek a place for themselves or their children to take the first steps in a new passion. RCBH’s annual membership supports its diligent efforts in tandem with conservation groups, the Forest Preserve, and the Barrington Hills Park District to preserve and expand open spaces, to support the availability of facilities to enjoy equestrian activities, and to protect the essential 5-acre zoning laws, which conserve natural habitats in the community. RCBH will host numerous family-friendly activities this year for its members including: Spring Tack Sale and Marketplace, Spring and Fall Schooling Shows, Working Equitation Clinics and Show, movie nights, Sunny Sunday Breakfast Series, bonfires, apple picking, and volunteer opportunities for all abilities. For more information or to apply for your membership, please visit ridingclubofbarringtonhills.org.
JAMES SHOWROOM
JAMES Showroom has opened in New York City, coinciding with the launch of owner Meredith Ellis’ eponymous textile brand, available through JAMES. Experience the allure of exquisite craftsmanship at JAMES, where curated collections of the industry’s most coveted fabric, wallpaper, lighting, furniture, and rug lines redefine the standards of design essentials. Ellis continues to redefine luxury introducing fresh designs that resonate with clients and designers alike. meredithellistextiles.com
